The TOEIC Speaking and Writing Tests
 To apply for the TOEIC Speaking and Writing Summer Institute 2012, you must complete the
work samples for both the TOEIC Speaking Test and the TOEIC Writing Test.
 Save your work sample as follows.
TOEIC_Speaking_Writing_your last name_your first name.doc
(For example, TOEIC_Speaking_Writing_Doe_Jane.doc)
Summer Institute 2012
July 9 through August 31
Candidates who are available for the full eight weeks will be given preference; however,
candidates available for only the first six weeks may also be considered. Please indicate
your availability in your application.
The TOEIC Speaking Test
The TOEIC Speaking Test is intended to measure the ability to use spoken English in an
international workplace context. The TOEIC Speaking Test is administered to test takers via the
Internet. The test is composed of eleven questions and takes approximately twenty minutes to
complete.
The TOEIC Speaking Work Sample
For this work sample, you will write a passage that a test taker would read aloud. The goal of this
item type is to assess a test taker’s ability to speak English intelligibly. Test takers are assessed
on their pronunciation and their ability to use appropriate intonation and stress. The passage
must have a business context, using language appropriate for that context. For example, if the
context is an advertisement, then the passage should be written to sound like an authentic
advertisement.
The specifications for the work sample are listed below. Your sample must
 be between 40 and 60 words;
 contain at least one complex sentence;
 include one sentence with a series (nouns, verbs, adjectives, phrases, etc.) of at least
three members (e.g., “a government of the people, by the people, and for the people”);
 have at least one transition (e.g., however, in addition, tomorrow);
 use vocabulary and context that are accessible to beginning-level language learners; and
 contain text that would normally be read aloud in a business or commercial context (e.g.,
advertisement, introduction to speaker, announcement).
Sample
The holiday gift-giving season has arrived. In the spirit of the season, the Falcondale Store has
reduced prices on our most popular gift items. Come and see our large selection of new T-shirts,
golf shirts, and sweatshirts, which have all been reduced 30 to 50 percent. What’s more, on
Saturday only, shoppers will receive an additional 15 percent discount.
Word Count: 59
Directions: In the text box below, write a passage that meets the specifications. Indicate
the word count in the space provided.
Word Count:
The TOEIC Writing Test
The TOEIC Writing Test is intended to measure the ability to use written English in an
international workplace context. The TOEIC Writing Test is administered to test takers via the
Internet. The test is composed of eight questions and takes approximately one hour to complete.
The TOEIC Writing Work Sample
I. Respond to a Written Request (E-mail)
For this work sample, you will write an e-mail using language appropriate in a business context. A
test taker successfully responding to the e-mail will be able to write at least three sentences and
will address three separate tasks in doing so.
The specifications for the work sample are listed below. Your sample must
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be between 25 and 50 words long (not including the To, From, Subject, and Date lines);
present a situation that would require the test taker to respond to an e-mail;
be accessible to an international audience in a business or commercial context;
use vocabulary and a context accessible to beginning-level language learners;
elicit a response from the test taker that is at least three sentences long and between 75
and 100 words; and
include THREE tasks that the test taker must do from the list below.
 Ask a question
 Describe a problem
 Describe a situation
 Give an explanation
 Give directions or instructions
 Give information
 Report a problem
 Make a request
 Make a suggestion
Sample
Directions: Read the e-mail.
FROM: Dale City Welcome Committee
TO: New Dale City Residents
SUBJECT: Welcome to your new home!
SENT: July 23, 4:32 P.M.
Welcome! We would like to be the first to welcome you to Dale City. We know that
there are many things to do when you move, from finding your way around town to
setting up your utilities. Please contact us if you need any help at all.
Response Directions: Respond to the e-mail as if you have recently moved to a
new city. In your e-mail, ask THREE questions.
Word Count: 47
Directions: In the text box below, write an e-mail that meets the specifications. Complete
the Response Directions that follow the e-mail and give the three tasks that
the test taker must do.
Directions: Read the e-mail.
FROM:
TO:
SUBJECT:
SENT:
Response Directions: Respond to the e-mail. In your e-mail . . .
Word Count:
II. Write an Opinion Essay (Opinion)
For this work sample, you will write an opinion prompt to which there are varying ways to
respond. The opinion prompt should be written using language appropriate in a business
context. A test taker successfully responding to the opinion prompt would be able to write an
essay of several paragraphs using appropriate organization, development, and support.
The specifications for the work sample are listed below. Your sample must
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be a maximum of 50 words long;
present a situation with ethical, moral, or practical tension;
require support of an opinion;
be accessible to an international audience in a business or commercial context;
use vocabulary and a context accessible to beginning-level language learners;
elicit a response from the test taker that is about 300 words long; and
use one of the frameworks from the list below.
 Why or why not?
 Which is the best / most important?
 Advantages / disadvantages
 Agree / disagree
 What is your opinion?
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What is your preference?
Important qualities/characteristics of . . .
Sample
There are many ways to find a job: newspaper advertisements, Internet job search Web sites,
and personal recommendations. What do you think is the best way to find a job? Why? Give
reasons or examples to support your opinion.
Word Count: 39
Directions: Write an opinion prompt in the text box below that meets the specifications.
Word Count: